STEP 4:

Once you've located the offending micro switch, it's time to pop it open. Since my left mouse button was the culprit, I gently used a small flat-head screwdriver to lift up one corner of the switch cover. Be gentle here as breaking the plasic cover would be a very bad thing.

Pry gently on one side, then pry gently on the other side. When you succeed, you've be left with an open switch, a black cover, and a small plastic insert. DO NOT LOSE THIS! I've laid out the parts below so that you can get an idea of what things look like.

Notice the location of the small copper contact in the picture above. MEMORIZE HOW THIS FITS ONTO THE CONTACTS IN YOUR SWITCH. Okay, with that said, here's a picture of what we've been searching for:

STEP 5:

This piece is tiny to say the least. Notice the curved "spring" in the center. To remove this piece, gently push sideways on the movable end until it is free from its resting contact. Below is a blown up switch view:

After checking to make sure the entire copper piece is level, insert a small flat head screw driver and force the spring part away from the rest of the copper piece. The picture below is me bending the spring away:

Be careful when bending the spring, the copper is extremely thin, and it doesn't take much to make your mouse clicks stiff again.

STEP 6:

When you're satisfied you've put enough spring back into the copper, it's time to remount it to the contacts inside the switch.

Set the fixed end of the copper in first, then gently slide the movable end underneath the resting contact. You will have to put the spring down into it's location AFTER this has been done. It takes some patience, so don't get discouraged. I spent 10 minutes figuring this out.

Once you have the copper back in place, it should move up and down, but not click. Make sure the copper moves correctly before moving on to the next step.

STEP 7:

Now take the small plastic insert and work it back into the switch cover. A small bit should stick out of the top of the cover, a good check to make sure you've put it back in correctly.

STEP 8:

To reattach the switch cover to the switch, simply turn the mouse upside down, and attach the cover over the switch into its original position. Why upside down, you ask? Holding it upside down will keep that tiny little plastic insert from falling out of the switch as you try to put it back in.

Once the cover is back in place, try out your "new"switch. You should notice that it feels firmer than it did before and that it should make an audible clicking noise. If it doesn't do this, take the switch apart again and start from STEP 4.

STEP 9:

Carefully replace the mouse cover, being careful not to catch any loose wires, and then re screw it to the base. Plug it in and enjoy.

I hope to help people who have a favorite or expensive mouse that has simply lost its ability to click the important single click, and who don't feel the need to have to shell out more money for a new one. I'd love to hear comments on this article or your questions. I am no repair expert, but would love to try to help you out.

Douglas Holden